By Jodie Symonds
MOUNT Evelyn is getting ready for a big weekend on 28-30 October, as the township will come alive with the HillsceneLIVE festival.
The festival encourages artists who take “juicy” risks, ask big questions, and make bold statements with their work.
HillsceneLIVE is a supportive program for artists to hone and nurture their craft.
It will cover live art and performance, including: theatre, dance, sound, art, cabaret, spoken word, live art and, work that doesn’t fit into those categories.
In its fifth festival since 2014, the summer HillsceneLIVE will feature 25 events including dance, theatre, sound art, interventions and more.
It is an electric and eclectic festival, supporting some of Victoria’s most challenging and talented artists.
Some of the highlights include Rachel Jones’ 24 hour durational theatre performance, which explores anxiety.
It will also feature Dani-Ela Kayler’s poetic dance-theatre piece, using leaves as a metaphor for the hardship of leaving.
A social inclusion dinner, festival hub, workshops, a series of critical conversations and panel discussion will also be on offer.
The social inclusion dinner is HillsceneLive 100,and will serve up a gourmet dinner to 100 people for free.
It offers free access to festival activities, and features an exhibition of Eliza Philip’s most recent work.
There will also be a dance workshop on Saturday, which embodies the art – and it is designed for dancers, theatre makers and artists of all abilities.
Since 2014, the program has continued to excite audiences, develop artists and showcase experimental artists among the hills.
HillsceneLIVE Festival Director, Gareth Hart said this is a festival not to be missed.
“2016 is by far our biggest and boldest to date, with the festival expanding to a full three day program,” Mr Hart said.
“It is a blistering three days of some of the most exciting and exceptional artists I have come across in the past few years.
“HillsceneLIVE exists to support the development and nurturing of the emerging and experimental arts sector of Victoria, which is one of the most thriving and pulsating creative communities in the country.”
He said this year’s theme was mapping immediacy, which asked artists to consider their work and themselves within a contemporary social space.
“Every artist has tackled this theme differently, and in wonderful and wild ways,” Mr Hart said.
The festival will be held at multiple venues in Mt Evelyn, and addresses will be given upon booking.
Tickets cost $25 a one-day pass, or $40 for a two-day pass.
To book or for more information, visit www.hillscenelive.com
